The Wauzeka-Steuben School District is in the midst of collecting bids as part of its 10-year building and grounds maintenance plan. The school board has discussed areas of concern and what appears to be a future funding cliff, at recent meetings and, according to Interim Administrator Gary Albrecht, the board’s goal is to be as responsible as possible to taxpayers so as not to become burdensome.

“The taxes are going to go way down but we’re still going to have to keep the building going,” Albrecht stated. “We have to be careful of not running a referendum for maintenance and, then, a few years later, needing another referendum for the building. If we don’t mind our business, we could be in dire straits.”

The dinner buffet will be feature an upscale menu served at 6 p.m., followed by the hilarious performance of the Mama Moon Theatre Company at 7 p.m. Also, enjoy dessert at intermission and a variety of wines and other beverages throughout the evening, all for the price of admission.

On Saturday, Jan. 12, at 6:06 p.m., the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a man versus skid steer accident on Fritsche Lane in the township of Eastman. It was reported that a man was smashed by the skid steer.

Blas E. Cuahutzihua, 45, Mexico, was operating a Mustang skid steer. Blas had the hydraulic arms of the skid steer raised in the air. Blas exited the cab and was presumed to be attempting to clean the foot control pedals. Blas did not engage the safety locks that hold the hydraulic arms in place. While clearing the foot controls, the hydraulic arms were engaged and closed on Blas. Blas was pinned between the cab and the arms of the skid steer. A co-worker heard Blas and came to his aid.

Sue is a lifelong resident of Prairie du Chien. She graduated high school in 1971 from Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy in Mankato, Minn.

Then, in 1976, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in preschool, kindergarten and child development. While at UW, the Army ROTC program was opened to women and Sue became the first woman to graduate from that program. After graduation, Sue joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and, after serving 20 years in military intelligence, she retired with the rank of major.

Reformers Unanimous is a little-known yet highly successful addiction program available in Prairie du Chien to anyone, age 16 and older, struggling with substance dependence and stubborn habits of any nature. It’s free every Friday at 7 p.m., for about two hours, at the Bible Baptist Church north building (515 Cliffhaven Rd.), which is handicap accessible.

Area residents of any faith looking to “Break the Chains of Addiction” to drugs, alcohol, gambling, cutting, eating disorders, pornography, anger or otherwise are welcome. Attendees can join at any stage in their recovery process as well. Family members and friends are encouraged to accompany loved ones if they wish.

Catholic Charities will permanently close its branch office at 104 E. Blackhawk Ave. in Prairie du Chien on Jan. 23, according to a news release issued this week by the organization.

While this office was an outreach location for all Catholic Charities programs, it employed one full-time and two part-time employees, the release said. Local services were provided for domestic abuse, representative payee, adoption, post-adoption resources, birth parent support, immigration and St. Lawrence Community services such as financial education and assistance with basic human needs.

There is a new agriculture agent at Crawford County’s University of Wisconsin Extension. Adam Hady began his duties on Jan. 1 and will be in Crawford County 50 percent of the time and in Richland County 50 percent.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is not one of the 38 national wildlife refuges throughout the United States that are returning staffers to work to make sure hunters and others have access despite the government shutdown.

The Prairie du Chien Fire Department recently accepted delivery of three new state-of-the-art 3M-Scott SCBAs, or self-contained breathing apparatuses. This equipment is used when firefighters have to enter a hazardous, smoke-filled environment.

This product donation was made possible after the fire department was asked by local 3M personnel—Plant Manager Steve Kleist and Human Resources Manager Shelly Gruber—if their company could help the department out with any equipment purchases they were looking to make.

Megan Beisker, 3M procurement coordinator, worked with the 3M-Scott fire and safety sales rep for the area to order the appropriate SCBAs that the fire department was seeking.